Today, we journeyed up the mountain by la playa de Ondarreta using the funicular to see the sights that define the history of San Sebastián. The funicular operated as a time-traveling vehicle which transported us through steep slopes inside a wooden carriage that produced soft creaking sounds during elevation changes.The carriage interior contained the sounds of other travelers and the constant engine noise while the horizon displayed distant silhouettes of neighboring coastal towns. The city revealed itself to us through the rising elevation as a beautifully painted landscape which showed its streets and red-tiled roofs and shining shoreline at each new height. The ocean’s saltiness rose through the air even from our elevated position to mix with the fresh mountain breeze which created a perfect balance of scents that both refreshed me and brought deep tranquility.

The pastel-colored buildings have survived for more than a century because their owners carefully preserved their historic appearance to protect the city’s cultural heritage. The scene was breathtaking as if ripped from a Victorian painting.The pale blue waters of the Bay of Biscay glowed in the afternoon sun as they met the green hills and the pastel-colored buildings along the shore. The small fishing boats floated gently across the water while gulls occasionally shouted from beneath. The light cast a gentle glow that seemed to pass through the accumulated human history of the place creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The moment I stood there I entered a realm where time passed at a different pace and daily life froze to reveal the perfect blend of natural beauty and human-made artistry.

Later we steeled our resolve to attempt the oldest roller roaster in Western Europe experiencing the same thrills shared by locals a century ago. The wooden structure from another time period stood firm with its weathered yet strong frame which made soft creaking noises while sharing the tales of numerous riders who faced its steep turns and abrupt drops before our arrival. The seats displayed the signs of aging through their faded paint and smooth edges and their historical patina which develops only after many years of use. The chain produced a clinking sound while groaning as we ascended the initial hill before we secured ourselves into our seats.

The entire bay revealed itself from the summit before the water’s sparkle took our breath away before we dropped down. The unrefined excitement of each jolt and sway exceeded what contemporary rides typically deliver. The wooden track vibrated beneath us while enhancing our sense of adventure instead of diminishing it. The rushing wind hit my face so strongly that it forced out laughter which seemed to have been trapped until that precise instant. The ride ended at the station where I experienced the perfect blend of excitement and appreciation for having experienced a piece of history. The excitement of this ride remained unchanged for early thrill-seekers in the 1920s despite the different world they lived in.

Finally, we visited Eduardo Chillida’s sculpture, “Combs of the Wind” for deep introspection on the value of experiencing life for all its worth. The massive iron structures extended from the stone base into the ocean at the rocky coastline border while resisting both natural erosion and ocean currents. The ocean waves pounded against the shoreline with intense force while sending saltwater mist that stuck to our bodies and hair. The sculpture maintained its permanent strength which created an intense contrast with the ocean’s constant movement thus establishing a conversation between human artistry and natural elements. The experience made me feel tiny yet deeply linked to the entire universe like a single strand in an endless web of life. Observing the sculpture helped me define what the past has given me while understand the present is the only variable within my control.

The future may be far off but the present is what builds the foundation for a brighter future. I stood at the edge of the rocky coastline while the waves maintained their perpetual motion next to me. The realization was humbling because I understood I could not forecast or direct the future tides but I could modify the stones beneath my feet. The salty air carried a sense of promise which led me to make a silent pact to live each instant with increased attention and gratitude and courage no matter the adversity that arrises. The coastline received the golden sunset light as day ended and I brought back the deep knowledge that this experience would become an unalterable and precious piece of my personal history.